Mexico is waiting to be explored. This incredible country is home to the highest cactus species diversity in the world. On this trip, we will see all of the favorites; Ariocarpus, Lophophora, Astrophytum, Mammillaria, Aztekium, Geohintonia, Turbinicarpus, Ferocactus and Echinocactus. Other fascinating genera seen on tour include; Agave, Nolina, Echeveria, Euphorbia and a variety of Bromeliads. This active trip is designed for those that love to combine flora, fauna, geology, photography and walking.
Tour Details
- Tour Interest: Cacti, exotic flora, geology, nature photography, culture and history
- Tour Type and Mode: Overland, all inclusive
- Tour Duration: 11 days – 10 nights
- Tour Dates: May 1st – 11th 2024. Private tours run on request from April – June
- Starts/Ends: Starts in Mexico City, ends in Torreon
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Activities can be adjusted depending on fitness level
- Best time to Go: April – June to see a variety of plants in flower
- Price: $3,650 per person for a group tour with minimum of four participants. Prices for private tours are based on group size. Larger groups reduce cost per person. Contact directly for pricing.
Next Group Tour: May 1st – 11th 2024 – Contact us direct to book!
Featured plants:
Cactaceae: Ariocarpus: retusus, confusus, fissuratus, kotschoubeyanus, scaphirostris. Astrophytum: capricorne, coahuilense, myriostigma, ornatum. Aztekium: hintonii, ritteri. Geohintonia mexicana. Lophophora: diffusa, fricii, williamsii. Echinocereus species. Ferocactus species. Mammillaria species. Pelecyphora: strobiliformis, aselliformis. Strombocactus disciformis. Thelocactus species. Turbinicarpus species.
*OTHER EXOTICS: Arecaceae Brahea decumbens, Sabal mexicana. Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae: Agave species. Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae: Yucca species. Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae: Dasylirion species. Bromeliaceae, subfamily Hechtioideae: Hechtia species. Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae: Tillandsia species. Crassulaceae: Echeveria species. Euphorbiaceae: Euphorbia cerifera, antisyphilitica. Fouquieriaceae – ocotillo family: Fouquieria splendens. Lentibulariaceae: Pinguicula species. Selaginellaceae: Selaginella gypsophila, lepidophylla.
Daily Itinerary
- Day-1: Pick up in Mexico City (May 1st)
- Day-2: To Bernal via Cactus Heaven
- Day-3: An Alpine Adventure
- Day-4: To San Luis Potosí
- Day-5: Yet Another Diversity Hotspot
- Day-6: To Nuevo León
- Day-7: Gypsophylic Cacti
- Day-8: The Best Views of the Sierra Madre
- Day-9: Saltillo to Torreón
- Day-10: Desert Oasis
- Day-11: Final Day and Airport Transfer (May 11th)
What’s Included?
All private overland transportation, transfers and excursions from the starting and finishing points of your tour. Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide. Admission fees to all nature reserves. Accommodation on a twin/double basis. All breakfasts, box-lunches, dinners. Fresh water in the vehicle. Emergency supplies are also carried. Tour inclusions will begin from lunch on day one to breakfast on day eight. Your full time tour leader will be your primary contact, accompanying you from your arrival to departure.
What’s Not Included?
International and domestic airfares, airport taxes. Tips to guides, drivers, hotel & restaurant staff etc. Alcoholic drinks with meals in restaurants. Personal travel and medical insurance. Anything not specified under “What’s included?”
Arrival and Departure
Airport details. Arrival: Mexico City International Airport. Departure: Torreón International Airport. It is recommended that you arrive at least one day before your tour begins. Please contact us if you have any questions about our tours or need assistance with planning.
Deposits
To secure your group tour booking, please transfer 30% of the overall price via bank transfer (contact us directly for details) or alternatively via PayPal to cactusexplorertours@gmail.com. Contact us directly for private tours. We are happy to split any bank transfer costs 50/50 with you. Complete and final payments are required no later than 60 days before your tour departure when we will also send specifications of what you need to bring for your trip. We look forward to seeing you in Mexico!
